PARENTING Other unexpected purchases in the early days revolved around feeding my baby. I breastfed, which in theory is free, right? I didn't realise how much it would end up costing me; a Medela breast pump and all the accessories set me back AED 2000, nipple creams AED 200, breast pads AED 400 and, well, all the cake to justify my breastfeeding was easily another AED 500! Now, she’s a combination of feeding and weaned. I’m buying a tin of formula at AED 88 a week, Ella’s Kitchen pouches at around AED 30 a week and making the rest of the food myself in my fab baby food machine, which cost me AED 795.
So, what else did I splash on? Well, I bought a premium nappy bin, but it was on sale, and it cost me AED 300. I also splashed out on a baby photo shoot, which I must confess I’m super thrilled with, but it cost me AED 1000.
However, I’ve kept an eye on costs, given that I’m trying not to spend that AED 45,000.
I've now learned to use John Lewis online, Sprii.com, and Kidore.com as my first stops when I need a piece of baby gear.
Time to do the maths! The (approximate) costs of baby’s first year: Stroller
AED 6000
Car seat
AED 1000
Cot
AED 345
Cot-cushion
AED 750
Breast pump and accessories AED 2,600
Bouncer/gym
AED 500
High chair
AED 500
Bath
AED 50
Nappy bin
AED 300
Nursery furniture
AED 500
Clothes
AED 1000
Bedding
AED 500
Muslins
AED 300
Nappies
AED 1,200
Wipes
AED 1,200
Toiletries
AED 800
Formula
AED 1,056
Baby food
AED 600
Baby food machine
AED 795
Steriliser
AED 400
Toys
AED 1,200
TOTAL
AED 21,596
I’ve probably forgotten something, blame it on the baby brain, but – truth is – you really can give the baby everything they need without breaking the bank. They need to be loved, fed, and kept clean and dry. Those are the real essentials, and cuddles are free. 44 | OCTOBER 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD